Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi left the company of ordinary mortals yesterday. A tribute to the greatest musical genius of our times
He had been sick. He had been sick for a long time. But now, he is no more. The death of the legendary Hindustani Classical vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi has left a void amidst us. Statistics of awards and accolades cannot do justice to the matchless genius of Panditji who, without a doubt, was the most influential vocalist of his generation.
Classical music lovers are mourning nationwide, while musicians inspired by him are unable to reconcile to the reality of the loss. Well-known vocalist Prabha Atre reflects, "I also belong to the Kirana gharana to which Panditji belonged. His death has orphaned us. He was a timeless performer, and his death is not just a loss to our country but a universal loss. He was a Vishwaratna, not just Bharat Ratna."
Like all his devotees, veteran singer Malini Rajurkar is in a state of shock.
She says, "I feel as if everything is over. Even the common man was aware of his greatness. He was the epitome of belief, devotion and practice. His music was divine. He was the one to give me the first chance to sing at Pune's Bal Gandharva 44 years back. That showed his affection and large-heartedness towards newcomers." Upcoming vocalist Sawani Shende adds, "The sun has set in the world of music with Bhimsen Joshi passing away. His contribution to the field is irreplaceable, and I salute him."
Musician Roop Kumar Rathod, devastated by the news of Panditji's demise, says, "He was an institution, not only for singers but for all musicians. He may have left his body, but his music and his personality will live on forever."
He had been sick. He had been sick for a long time. But now, he is no more. The death of the legendary Hindustani Classical vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi has left a void amidst us. Statistics of awards and accolades cannot do justice to the matchless genius of Panditji who, without a doubt, was the most influential vocalist of his generation.
Classical music lovers are mourning nationwide, while musicians inspired by him are unable to reconcile to the reality of the loss. Well-known vocalist Prabha Atre reflects, "I also belong to the Kirana gharana to which Panditji belonged. His death has orphaned us. He was a timeless performer, and his death is not just a loss to our country but a universal loss. He was a Vishwaratna, not just Bharat Ratna."
Like all his devotees, veteran singer Malini Rajurkar is in a state of shock.
She says, "I feel as if everything is over. Even the common man was aware of his greatness. He was the epitome of belief, devotion and practice. His music was divine. He was the one to give me the first chance to sing at Pune's Bal Gandharva 44 years back. That showed his affection and large-heartedness towards newcomers." Upcoming vocalist Sawani Shende adds, "The sun has set in the world of music with Bhimsen Joshi passing away. His contribution to the field is irreplaceable, and I salute him."
Musician Roop Kumar Rathod, devastated by the news of Panditji's demise, says, "He was an institution, not only for singers but for all musicians. He may have left his body, but his music and his personality will live on forever."
